Photo Credit: Jordan Paunova
South African born, London based singer, songwriter and producer Kiara Jordan shares her powerful new track ‘Young Man’, out on 21st August on all streaming platforms.
Growing up in South Africa and then moving to London gave Kiara an insight into two worlds where both the differences and similarities were striking in that the suffering of one becomes the suffering of all.
Speaking of the track, Kiara says, “South Africa is considered to be the world’s most divided country. So I want to use this song as a platform to highlight the systemic racism and discrimination so many of the population are exposed to. I want to start a conversation – why is it that people in power are willing to turn a blind eye to the suffering of their own people, if not deliberately to make their own people suffer in order to better their own lives. The corruption of governments and political parties have destroyed incomes and well beings, and have forced their own people to suffer. I want to shed a much needed light on this struggle, and to question why people in power are being allowed to take away the freedom of those whom they govern.”
Tell us about you as an artist
Growing up, I never questioned that I wanted to become a musician. With my dad’s love of classic rock, I grew up on karaoke and radio instead of ceebeebies. When we moved to South Africa, at 5 years old, my taste in music became shaped by the world around me. I was exposed to the indigenous sounds of South African music, and I experienced living in a country with extreme highs and extreme lows both politically and sociall. Because of this, I became the artist I am – an artist who is passionate about creating music that not only sounds good, but means something. That starts conversations and covers important topics. I’m an alternative artist, songwriter, and producer, writing songs since the age of 10, and recently learning to produce as well. I’m Kiara Jordan, based in London, and channeling my experiences and beliefs in a variety of alternative songs.
What is the message behind your art?
My music is made to push boundaries – as someone who has always loved reading and writing poetry, I believe in conveying a message in the best way possible – lyrics. I never write about things I haven’t experienced, or believe in, and feel it is my passion to speak about sensitive topics in a public platform. To use music to convey truth, and to spark interest and conversation. About politics, about love, about the world around us.
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
I don’t believe in writing songs that aren’t true to my experience, as I want whoever’s listening to feel what I’m saying and know that what’s being said is true. My first few releases were based on a long-term relationship I was in, but moving to London from South Africa, long distance created cracks in the relationship. Essentially, I wrote all four of my last releases about that experience. However, I’m pushing myself to speak and write about topics that are more uncomfortable, but crucial topics to highlight, and ones that I have experienced being a South African – racism, sexism, gender based violence, loneliness, heartbreak, etc. My lyrics are based on the world around me, and how I have interacted with the world this far.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
Tom Misch – an artist that records, writes, and produces all of his own music, as well as playing the instruments and singing, similar to what I do. I love his sound, and his talent is palpable. I would love to be able to write and produce music on a similar level to him.
All time favorite record?
Song – Vincent by Don Mclean
Album – Cleoptra by the Lunibeers
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
My latest release, Young Man, was inspired by the recent riots in South Africa. Telling the story of my encounter with a homeless man in South Africa, I want to use Young Man to address the systemic racism and oppression that is happening in South Africa, as well as other parts of the world as well, such as Afghanistan, and Palestine. I want to start a conversation as to why the governments and western world are sitting back and watching people suffer and turn on one another, whilst doing nothing to help. Just yesterday, the president of Afghanistan fled the country as the Taliban forces entered the capital. Where are our leaders? Why are they not doing anything? This song is more than a song for me, it is a platform in which to spread awareness, question injustices and start conversations.
Proceeds made from the song will be donated to South African charity, Operation Hunger.
You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?
I’ve never had a favorite genre, my music taste has always been a mixed bag. This has proven to be difficult when writing music, but it’s also given me the ability to draw from different genres and create a new sound. Through growing up on classic rock, finding a personal love of indie folk in my teenage years, and now growing into the R&B and funk scene, my sound is inspired by a variety of different artists. I don’t believe artists these days are strictly limited to releasing music of one genre, therefore I’m enjoying fusing the sounds from different genres into my own music.
What excites you the most about what you do?
It’s what I love to do – simply, it’s what I’ve always loved to do. All musicians say it, but making music, listening to music, learning songs, and performing especially, it’s why I get up in the morning. Each time I go to a concert, I picture what it would be like if I was up on stage, with 100,000 people singing my own lyrics back to me. There is something so beautiful about a group or strangers connecting with a song that means something different and important to each person. I want to share my truth, and in a way that I love doing it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully, creating music with a fan base that enjoys my music and lyrics, performing for larger crowds I.e at festivals, or at my own concert. I’d love to collaborate with other artists, and make it onto platforms such as Colours and Triple J, etc.
Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you take care of your aesthetics?
I just trust in who I am as a person; and want to represent that in what I wear, what I post, how I perform, etc. I’ve always been a very colorful person, and try to maintain that aesthetic as it reflects who I am as a person.
What was the most daunting moment in your career so far?
I had my first live gig in London at The Moustache Bar a few weeks ago – although it was a small venue, it was the first step for me as a performing artist and it was amazing, albeit nerve wracking.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
The 100 rule – practice doing what you love, one hour every day for 100 days, and you’ll improve. Keep working to get better.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
I think artists are moving more towards more independent careers, instead of relying on labels and publishers for success, and I truly feel like independent artistry is going to revolutionize the industry.
